New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1887-01-19

Ghe smoke and dust OF the noisy town,
into the cool sweetness of the country,
| where the apple trees were scattering
| their perfumed blossoms IN snowy
showers at every breath of wind, and
the birds we're singing a joyful greeting
| to the born day!
| TO Laura it was like going back to
| the brightest days Of her Life, only with
an added sweetness that even those had
not possessed.
They were driving slowly back, and
Laura was trying to conquer a rebel
lious distaste for the dull little Office,
when, as they passed large mansion on
the outskirts Of the town, DR., Varney
said abruptly:
Do you know Kate Howard, Laura on
II know who she is. A cat may look
at the queen, you know, Her father
owns the iron mills, and they live in the
beautiful house we just passed"
'What do you think Of her? ?"
L think she is one the most beauti-
full ladies have ever seen, and i'm
agine, one Of the proudest. Why do you
ask? You seem to be interested in her. !"
Il am. The truth is" he said, look
ing straight ahead of him, and speaking
fast, ''the medical convention is not
| the only business that brought me to
Kingston. I have thought seriously of
asking Kate Howard to be my wife.
met her last summer at Long Branch,
and again in the winter, and [ do not
think she will say no. /"
There was moments silence as
the girl struggled with the sudden
feeling of pain and desolation that
that came over her, and strove to say
the kindly commonplace words that
were expected of her.
And then he went on:
It may seem odd that I should tell
you this, Laura, even before I have
spoken to her, but we have been almost
brother and sister, and would like to
have God-speed from you before I make
the plunge"
''You have it, Frank" she said brave
ly "May you win the woman you love
and every good gift that life can give
But the delicate beautiful face was
very white, when he lifted her down at
the door Of the station, and her eyes
did not meet his when she babe him
goodbye And in DR.. Varney's heart,
as he drove away, there was curious
dissatisfied feeling that he could neither
analyze nor account for.
1t was not quite dissipated when he
sat that evening on the pleasant piazza
Of Mr.. Towards house, with the scent.
ed breath of acacia and rose coming up
from the garden, and Kate, looking very
beautiful in her cool white muslin by
his side. And his thoughts would wan
der to little figure in simple bingham
dress, and a delicate pale face set in a
frame of soft brown hair.
Kate" he said at length, 'shave you
ever noticed the little girl in the tele-
graph Office down at the station ?"
"What question !" said Miss How
ard, arching her brows in some sur
prise. ''Of course I know there is a
young person employed there in that
capacity, equally of course, that is all I
know about her"
But DIR. Varney, honest fellow, never
knew when he was snubbed, and blum
dered on:
II discovered in her yesterday the
Oldest friend I have. They lived close
to US until a few years ago, and Laura
and were almost brother and sister.
| had quite lost sight Of her until I met
her yesterday.
"That is very nice, but I don't see
how it concerns me, said Miss Howard
coldly.
"She is quite alone in the world,
Kate, and thought if you would call
upon her and be friendly with her it
would make her life SO much more
pleasant"
Il call upon that girl? You must be
dreaming, doctor?'
s'Why not? She is true lady, and
it would be an act Of charity, Kate"
Perhaps your standard of what con-
stitutes lady differ" was the naughty
response. AT all events have no de-
sire to add to the list Of my acquain-
tances at present, and SO must decline
the honor You propose to do me?"
After cold goodnight DR.. Varney
took his leave, feeling hurt and angry,
and resolved that he would take more
time to consider it before he spoke the
words he had come to Kingston express
~ to speak.
Nor did the note he received from
Miss Howard the following morning
half playfully, half apologize alter his
decision. He would go home and think
it out among his patients. It was not
question to be decided lightly.
And then he strolled down to the sta
ton, and over to Laura's little den.
She was busy, and did not look up
for a moment, and he had time to note
how white she was, and there were dark
circles under the pretty blue eyes, that
told of a sleepless night.
She looked up with q smile OF well
come, but did not invite him in.
He waited for no invitation, how
ever, but went inside the railing, and
/ with the light of new resolution on
his face, bent over her.
"What have you been doing to your
self. little girl ?" he said very tenderly
Il am afraid my prescription was not
good one Shall i GIVE Won a 1ou nra9